🌳 Oak: Growing Guide
Oak (Quercus) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −30 to 38 °C (−22 to 100 °F) in soil with a pH of 4.5–7.0. Space plants about 1500 cm (591 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Quercus |
|---|---|
| Category | Shade Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 1500 cm (591 in) |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −30 to 38 °C (−22 to 100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Height | 1000–4000 cm (394–1575 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | |||||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr.
Watering
Water about every 10 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Hardy once established.
Growing tips
Oaks can live 500+ years. Pedunculate and holm oak. A whole ecosystem.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Oak: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar.
Oak: how often should I water it?
Water about every 10 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Hardy once established.
Oak: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 1500 cm (591 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 5 cm (2 in).
Oak: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Oak: which plants grow well with it?
Ivy, Fern.
Oak: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Oak wilt, Mildew.
Plan your garden
Add Oak to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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